HR MATTERS 24-03-2009

Q:I am 30 years old. I graduated in law from Calcutta University in 2003. Thereafter, I practised in Calcutta High Court for about three years. But as I was not happy, I quit to pursue masters in business management with specialisation in human resources (HR) from Punjab Technical University. I am going to complete the last semester this year. My problem is that I do not have good communication skills. Will that be a hurdle in getting a job?

Sohini De

A: You have analysed your weakness and now you should take steps to rectify it. However, since age is not on your side, it would not be prudent to think about anything else. You have two choices before you — stick to aspects of HR where there is less of communication, such as compensation, or improve your communication skills.

I think improving your communication skills would broaden your career prospects in HR and also make you more confident. It is an essential skill and becoming proficient in it is not so difficult.

Q:I am 25 years old. After completing engineering I worked two years in the investment advisory sector. I recently shifted base from Delhi to Calcutta and am finding it difficult to get a job. I intend to pursue MBA in finance and marketing. Please advise.

I would also like to know the prospects of a bank probationary officer vis-a-vis an MBA.

Shreyasi Mukherjee

A:The employment scenario is bleak, so there is nothing to worry about. If you intend to do an MBA, you would be 28 years old by the time you complete it. Hence, age should not be much of an issue, considering you have two years’ work experience. An MBA would command a much better salary and benefits than a probationary officer, meltdown notwithstanding.

Q: I completed BTech in 2007. I have one year’s work experience in the textile industry. I want to do PhD in economics from IIM Lucknow. What kind of jobs can I expect?

Sandip Roy

A: Economics is a good field and since you are thinking of doing a PhD in it, I would presume you have great interest in the subject. If that is the case, things would have been easier if you had pursued economics in graduation. You can enrol in any of the IIMs or other institutions for a specialisation in economics. There is immense scope both in the private and public sectors.

Q:I completed LLB in 2006 and practised in court for six months. I also did MBA with specialisation in HR. However, I have not been able to get a job so far. What are the job prospects in HR? Have I taken a wrong decision by doing MBA (HR) after completing LLB?

Paramita Das Sharma

A:There are many people who shift to HR after doing LLB. Since the current job scenario is not so good and companies are not recruiting in large numbers, you are finding it difficult to get a job. There are even fewer organisations that are recruiting fresh graduates. These are tough times and in the current situation I can only advise you to keep trying for a suitable opening.

Q:I am 43 years old and completed BTech in fibre technology. I am responsible for the operation of an entire textile mill in West Bengal. My strength is in machine maintenance. I would like to do MBA through distance education. Which subject should I specialise in?

Rajat Duttagupta

A:Based on your experience and qualification I would suggest you look into specialising in operations management. There are several universities and institutions, such as the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) and Annamalai University, which offer long-distance courses in this discipline.

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